Canada Steps Up Border Screenings

Published: July - 2007

If you are headed to Canada this season and you have some legal troubles in your background, including old DUI and domestic violence charges, be aware that Canadian Customs has stepped up its screening of arriving hunters, using data from the American Govern- ment's National Crime Information Center (NCIC). Given the increased level of scrutiny, there is a real possibility you will be delayed at the border this fall, or even prevented from entering the country if you have certain kinds of legal trouble in your background.

We've told you about this problem before, and we released an E-Mail Extra bulletin about it just weeks ago. We bring it up again only because of the increased level of scrutiny. The way around the problem is to apply for what's called a Criminal Rehabilitation. Getting a Criminal Rehabilitation is not difficult, but it does take time and will cost $200 to $1,000, depending on the infraction. The application process can take up to six months (serious cases may take up to a year), so get started now. Start by going to the Immigration Canada web site.

Download the Canadian Criminal Rehabilitation Guide, which will help you determine if you are eligible for Rehabilitation. The guide also spells out what you need to do. Generally, if your offense is five years old, you are eligible to apply for rehabilitation. Download the application form and other information on the web site and follow the instructions. Contact information is provided for additional information.

Alternatively, you can get in touch with a company called Canada Border Services. They specialize in helping the would-be Canadian visitor apply for rehabilitation. The cost for this service depends on the amount of time and work required to compile and follow your application through the system. Contact Canada Border Services.